Archive for October, 2011

Today is the average date of Indy’s first freeze, that’s not in our forecast today!

A nice warm up moves into Central Indiana, but a slight chance of rain moves into the state too. Highs will range from the upper 60s to mid 70s across Central Indiana today. The coolest temps will be in our Northern counties, and the warmest temps to the South. Indy will be right in between! There’s a 20% chance of an isolated shower, with wind gusts up to 30mph.

Overnight, skies clear and temps drop to the mid 40s.

Most of the day Monday looks dry, but rain moves in late afternoon into the evening. That rain sticks around through Tuesday night, and we could pick up, up to .75″ of rain.

High temps tumble into the low 50s by midweek, but a warm up is already on the horizon as we head into next weekend.

WTHR asked Indiana Insider analysts Peter Rusthoven (R) and Robin Winston (D) for their thoughts on Saturday night’s mayoral debate at the University of Indianapolis. Here are their responses. Please note that WTHR does not endorse these statements and that they are the opinions attributed to each individual commentator only.

From Peter:

This debate provided a good window on the candidates and the choice in this year’s Mayoral election.

Melina Kennedy comes across as exactly what she is – a lawyer and a poltico, a critic and a talker.

Mayor Ballard comes across as exactly what he is – a Marine, a leader, a doer.

If you had to pick one of these two people to do a tough job that was personally important to you and your family, where “talking good” meant nothing and getting results meant everything, there’s no question you would hire the Marine and the doer, not the lawyer and the talker. And you’d be right.

That’s exactly the choice faced by the City of Indianapolis and it citizens. They should make the same decision.

From Robin:

What we witnessed tonight was an absolute affirmation that Melina Kennedy has the skills to be our next Mayor. In every category she demonstrated a keen knowledge of the subject matter, the ability to offer sensible solutions and a commitment to inclusion. Melina’s background in tangible economic development will give us a Mayor that understands how to package the City, offer the inducements and incentives necessary to retain and recruit new jobs and will provide us with an advocate for economic development at the regional and national level. As a small business owner, Melina has the skills and knowledge to understand what it is like to sign both the front and the back of checks. She helps makes payroll for others so that they can support their families.

Her steadfast commitment to supporting our public and private schools started early and has been reinforced throughout. While others have mocked her for taking on education, the level of interest demonstrated by the panelists and those from the audience who posed questions shows that education does matter. She is right to take on this issue because it impacts our ability to be viable for job creation and to combat crime.

One of the hallmarks of a Kennedy administration will be to be open and frank. All of us who pay to park recognize the rate increases and the extension of hours that has resulted in increased fees. To accuse Melina of raising taxes is at best disingenuous. Melina has never raised taxes. That’s a fact.

Having strong leadership as Mayor is absolutely essential for public safety. Melina earned the endorsement of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police because of her commitment to building a new team of leadership in public safety. She understands that those who do an outstanding job in public safety deserve a partner as Mayor. She will be that partner.

As I have said for years, GOTV is a term used by many to describe winning elections. To some, it means Get On TV. I disagree. It means Get Out the Vote. Melina’s performance tonight provides those who were undecided a chance to ask one basic question between now and Election Day—Do I care enough to vote for better jobs, a partner in education, reducing taxes and fees for small businesses and for a candidate supported by our police? If they do, then we will have change and Melina Kennedy as a new Mayor.

I know that some of you who read this have already made up your mind. That’s great. Now use your leadership and contacts to do one more thing—help Melina by Getting Out the Vote now and before November 8th. And if you disagree with my opinion, please don’t hide behind anonymous blog posts. I had to sign my name to post this. You should do the same.

What a change in weather we have seen the past few hours! Showers continue to march from south to north through Indiana. Look for highs to only top out in the mid to upper 60s the next four days. The rain will last until late tonight and not return until the beginning of next week.

Hey, I can’t wait to get to both Brown County and Parke County to look at the leaves and the covered bridges and the turning leaves. It looks like the weather will cooperate. The latest leaf update by the way, shows much of Indiana near peak as far as colors are concerned.

So far we’ve had no rain in Central Indiana for the month of October. That will change tonight and tomorrow.

Highs today will reach the low to mid 70s with a mix of sun and clouds. Today we stay dry.

Overnight into Thursday, scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible. We’re not looking at severe storms right now, but gusty winds and heavy downpours will be possible in isolated cells. Up to 1/2″ of rain is possible.

A cold front is sparking the rain, and after it passes Friday, it will be breezy with highs only in the 60s!